What’s Your MS Mascot?

I was riding the city bus to my MRI earlier this week. With an MRI, and Orthotics fitting and an appointment with my Neurologist I figured it would be easier than driving. (I was right). On the way home, I was a bit shagged out. I sort of zoned-out by looking out the window as the city passed by when something caught my attention.

As we passed one of the many colleges and universities that dot Seattle’s cityscape, we stopped right alongside one school’s athletic field.

“Home of the Redhawks” it read. And, in my appointment-numbed mind, an idea began to form. I need an MS mascot.

I thought it might be good fun (or at least a good goof) to come up with an embodiment to help cheer us on when the “opposing team” has us against our own goal line. Maybe an animal or character to lift our spirits when we can’t seem to get our defense off the field, or a caricature with which we can celebrate the good days and little victories just like college sports teams have.

I shuffled through the standard list of aggressive animals and warrior symbols that I’ve seen take the sports fields and none seemed to fit. Though I wished that a Spartan might fit, Achilles seemed a more likely fit. “Orangemen” might fit – MS Orange and all – but I’ve had enough orange for a while.

What would my mascot be?

Hedgehogs sounded like a good one. They’re kind of fierce looking, but roll up in a ball under a bush if threatened. Sometimes that makes perfect sense for my MS.

Mallards would work. I’ve learned really, really well how to let things roll off “like water from a duck’s back”. Living where I do, however, any reference to The Ducks brings on hated cross-conference rivalry. I already hate MS enough.

I ran through the list of real mascots and made up a few of my own: “The Myelin Sheath” – that would be a sword I think. “The Blood/Brain Barriers” – a shield. “The MS Docs” worked, but I didn’t see a giant stethoscope being much of a motivator…

Then I came upon a heroic figure from legend that just might work for me. One brave enough to meet a fierce beast head on. A man of great courage of character as well as compassion. A healer and friend… and it didn’t hurt that I played him in a junior high school film.

Androcles (of …And The Lion fame), from Aesop’s Fables would do just fine!

He saw the great lion in trouble and approached to help. He rendered assistance when needed, cared for the wounded animal and became his friend. And, let us not forget; the kind deed Adrocles rendered saved his life in the end.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Trevis Gleason

Trevis L. Gleason is a food journalist and published author, an award-winning chef and culinary instructor who has taught at institutions such as Cornell University, New England Culinary Institute and...read more